Crystal Palace’s future participation in the Europa League remains uncertain as UEFA has postponed its decision on the matter concerning the club’s links with French team Lyon. Both teams qualified for the Europa League based on their performances, marking a historic achievement for Palace as it is their first time vying for European competition. However, rules against multi-club ownership raise concerns as both teams are affiliated with American businessman John Textor.
Textor holds ownership over Lyon and previously had a significant 43% stake in Crystal Palace, which he planned to sell to Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets. Despite this stake, Textor reportedly had limited control over operations at Crystal Palace. UEFA’s directive allows them to exclude clubs with shared ownership or overlapping investor influence, complicating the scenario for Crystal Palace.
The situation may be resolved in Palace’s favor if Lyon is officially relegated from Ligue 1, which is being considered due to their ongoing financial struggles. Lyon has already lodged an appeal regarding this relegation, which is expected to be reviewed shortly. Previously, UEFA announced Lyon’s consent to a temporary ban from the 2025-26 UEFA competitions should the financial oversight organization DNCG affirm their relegation to Ligue 2.
Crystal Palace clinched a Europa League spot after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, which marked its first European competition appearance in 70 years. A similar ownership conundrum arose in the lower-tier Conference League when UEFA excluded FC DAC 1904 of Slovakia to permit Gyor of Hungary to compete, as both were originally owned by Oszkár Világi, a businessman associated with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Another precedent in this realm was established by UEFA with the exclusion of Ireland’s Drogheda United from the subsequent Conference League, permitting Denmark’s Silkeborg to participate instead. Both teams were under the ownership of a U.S.-based investment group. This decision was later ratified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Should UEFA render a decision on the Palace-Lyon matter, potential appeals could be anticipated at the CAS, particularly if an outcome impacts other clubs like Nottingham Forest. Finishing seventh in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest is set to join the Conference League.
In addition to club ownership issues, UEFA is expected to address cases involving non-compliance with the regulations formerly termed “Financial Fair Play.” The outcomes for some cases, including those of prominent clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea, are anticipated this week.